For years, Ghostbusters 3 has been in development hell due mainly to Bill Murray refusing to do the film. In my opinion as a fan of the film and it's sequel as well as the game, the animated series, comics, and the Extreme Ghostbusters series; I think the best way to do Ghostbusters 3 is to make it into a reboot sequel like with "Incredible Hulk". Set the film in the 90's with a younger cast playing the lead roles but bring in the original cast for cameos. In order for this to work though, the director would need to be spot on with actors who could take over for their predecessors. So who could they possibly get that would equal the greatness of the originals?
First up would be to recast Peter Venkman
I can think of no other actor who could replace Bill Murray better than Danny Masterson. As Hyde on "That 70's Show", he proved he has the same dry sense of humor as Murray. Look at his jaw line, he could seriously pass as a young Bill Murray.
Next up, Egon Spengler
There are a number of actors out there who could fill the role, but personally I would have to go with Neil Patrick Harris. He made himself famous as Doogie Houser M.D, which shows he has experience speaking the same way that Egon is known for and is capable of being witty.
Then the heart of the Ghostbusters, Ray Stantz.
For this role, I'd have to say Seth Green would be perfect. Of course he's shorter than the original, but Green has proven time and time again that he is fully capable of playing a fun loving, soft hearted character. His work on Buffy, truly brought out his acting range as the brooding werewolf. Even working on the Scooby Doo sequel showed he's capable of playing a highly intelligent character and some what strange.
Then Winston...
Personally, I like the idea of Steve Urkel himself, Jaleel White taking the tole. Most of us have only seen him play a nerd, but White has proven time and again that his acting range is very extensive with playing various version of the Steve Urkel character. He's smooth, charismatic and a comedic genius which is everything Winston needs to be.
Let's go now to the supporting cast of the franchise. What would Ghostbusters be without Janine Melnitz?
The dry, sarcastic humor of Janine could only be represented best by Sara Gilbert. In her role as Roseanne's daughter Darline, Gilbert showed she can be extremely sarcastic and dry but also witty and sometimes sweet and caring. In her role on "The Big Bang Theory" she's proven capable of playing "the nerd" as well. Everything Janine needs is personified in Sara Gilbert.
As for Dana Barrett
I would have to give a little nod to the film Casper in which Dan as Ray Stantz appeared in a cameo role, why not return the favor by bringing in Christina Ricci to portray Miss Barrett and Pete's love interest. Lets face it, at the height of Weaver's career she was many a man's wet dream. Dana has to be gorgeous enough to grab the attention of not one but many men. She also needs to have an almost glowing smile that would stop men in their tracks but also have a darker side and sarcastic. Ricci is perfect for the role and to this day is capable of dropping any man to his knees.
For Louis Tully
I would have to go with yet another "Roseanne" and "The Big Bang Theory" star, Johnny Galecki. We've seen him play the nerd on several occasions in "The Big Bang Theory" as well as a soft spoken and frightened man who's easily manipulated. Louis Tully has to be portrayed as all of these things but also capable of being brave when it's absolutely necessary.
What Ghostbusters' film would be complete without "Ol' Pecker Head" himself?
The best person for the job to take on this role is non other than Matthew Lillard. Lillard has shown us on many occasions his wide array of acting skills. With his work on "Scream", "SLC Punk", "Hackers", "Scooby Doo", "Thirteen Ghosts", etc. While mainly playing comedic roles, he has proven he's capable of playing a sarcastic prick which is exactly what Walter Peck needs.
So now that we have the main cast figured out, what roles could we give to the original cast to cameo as?
Well, a Ghostbusters film just doesn't feel right unless they have a run in with the Mayor.
Since this was one of the possible roles Bill Murray would have had in Ghostbusters 3, I think it would be perfect for him.
What about the manager of the Hotel Sedgewick?
A small role like this would be good for Rick Moranis
We all know that Dan Aykroyd can play an awesome cop, so why not give him a role as a Police captain.
What role would Harold Ramis fit into as a cameo appearance? Perhaps the jail's Psychiatrist.This role was previously filled by Bill Murray's older brother Brian.
Ernie Hudson I believe would fit best as perhaps a construction work or some other kind of working class hero.
Sigourney Weaver would fill the position of talk show host or doctor perfectly.
Annie Potts cameo should be something that would complement Ramis'. I would put her in a role as his assistant/ wife.
So there you have it, the perfect way to do a Ghostbusters movie that wouldn't be stuck in development hell and still allow for more sequels in the franchise.